Sunday, May 11, 2025
With a surge in high-profile venue developments, luxury resort expansions, and unmatched transportation access, Georgia is rapidly positioning itself alongside global business event leaders such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The state’s strategic investments in convention infrastructure—from urban mega-centers to scenic retreats—are transforming it into one of the world’s most in-demand destinations for international meetings, conferences, and corporate gatherings. Coupled with immersive guest experiences and direct global air connectivity via the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta, Georgia offers a seamless fusion of accessibility, sophistication, and Southern hospitality that resonates with event planners and business travelers worldwide.
As the state continues to attract the attention of event organizers nationwide, Georgia’s infrastructure and hospitality offerings have expanded in step with the growing demand. The state welcomed more than sixteen million domestic business travelers in the most recent year, generating over four billion dollars in direct spending—fueling a historic boom for Georgia’s tourism sector in 2023.
This rise in business tourism is no coincidence. Georgia’s mix of high-capacity convention centers, scenic resorts, and creative event spaces is drawing corporate gatherings of every size and scale. From Atlanta’s massive convention hub to boutique mountain resorts and revitalized historic properties, planners are finding Georgia an increasingly attractive choice.
Coastal Expansion: Savannah’s Convention Renaissance
Savannah has made a bold statement in the industry by doubling the size of its convention center. The enhanced facility now offers two hundred thousand square feet of exhibit space, complemented by a newly added forty-thousand-square-foot ballroom and a renovated twenty-five-thousand-square-foot original ballroom. A new nine-hundred-space parking garage supports growing attendance, and a four-hundred-room hotel is planned to rise next door, creating a complete event ecosystem. Just beyond the venue, Savannah’s blend of historic charm, riverfront attractions, and culinary excellence enhances the appeal for business travelers.
South Georgia’s Standout: Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta
South Georgia is also experiencing a resurgence in event hosting. The Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta offers forty-seven thousand square feet of flexible space, including a large exhibit hall and a four-thousand-square-foot conference room. Following a million-dollar renovation, the venue now features modern interiors, updated amenities, and artwork inspired by the local culture. Its proximity to family-friendly attractions and downtown Valdosta makes it a well-rounded choice for both business and leisure-focused attendees.
Olympic Legacy Meets Natural Beauty at Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville brings together sport, nature, and event hosting. The Boathouse, originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games, now houses eighteen thousand square feet of versatile space including a ballroom, boardrooms, and open terraces overlooking the lake. The natural surroundings offer abundant outdoor options, from boating and kayaking on Olympic waters to hiking and exploring the nearby parks. The blend of athletic heritage and lakeside serenity makes it an ideal destination for retreats and leadership summits.
Elevated Luxury on Lookout Mountain
In the mountainous northwest corner of the state, Cloudland at McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn offers a premium event experience from high above the clouds. With twenty thousand square feet of event space, two ballrooms, and several breakout areas, the resort creates an unforgettable setting for upscale gatherings. The resort’s amenities include a full-service spa, an infinity pool, and two championship golf courses—one of which is a newly unveiled cliffside course opening this summer. For outdoor enthusiasts, hang gliding, caving, and scenic hiking trails provide extra appeal.
Atlanta’s Convention Powerhouse
In downtown Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) serves as the cornerstone of one of the country’s most expansive event campuses. With one-point-five million square feet of exhibit space, the GWCC is a national leader in large-scale events. The connected campus includes Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the new Signia by Hilton Atlanta. The hotel brings nearly one thousand rooms and over one hundred thousand square feet of additional meeting space—including Georgia’s largest hotel ballroom. With more than three million visitors annually and hundreds of events, Atlanta’s event infrastructure is both vast and impactful.
Aviation Meets Innovation at the Delta Flight Museum
Near the Atlanta airport, the Delta Flight Museum offers a blend of history and innovation. With sixty-eight thousand square feet of event space housed inside historic 1940s-era hangars, this venue offers immersive exhibits and a unique ambiance for galas, corporate meetings, and brand activations. Its close location to the world’s busiest airport gives it global accessibility and convenience for international attendees.
North Metro Growth: Gas South District in Duluth
Duluth’s Gas South District is a self-contained event campus designed for both business and entertainment. The newly renovated convention center now features a ninety-thousand-square-foot exhibit hall, a twenty-one-thousand-square-foot ballroom, and over twenty breakout rooms. A food hall and curated catering elevate the guest experience. Adjacent to the event center, the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett adds 348 rooms and 17,000 square feet of meeting space, while the surrounding area offers Michelin-recognized restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural attractions.
Georgia’s Evolving Event Identity
Georgia is rapidly emerging as a global meetings hotspot, joining leading nations with its world-class venues, luxury guest experiences, and unmatched international air connectivity through Atlanta. Strategic investments across the state are redefining how and where high-impact business events take place.
From oceanside venues to mountaintop escapes, Georgia continues to elevate its event offerings with a mix of innovation, hospitality, and scenic appeal. The state’s commitment to infrastructure investment and diversified meeting spaces has positioned it as a national force in the meetings and conventions sector. With its wide-ranging landscapes, seamless air and ground connectivity, and expanding list of high-end venues, Georgia offers an unmatched setting for memorable and results-driven events.
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